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The Making of Nebraska Brown
The last thing eighteen-year-old Ann Leigh remembers is running from her boyfriend in a thick Nebraska cornfield. This morning she’s staring down a cool Italian sunrise, an entire continent from the life she once knew. The events of the eighteen months in between have inexplicably gone missing from her memory.
All at once she’s living with Tommy, an attractive, young foreigner asking for her continued love. Though he’s vaguely familiar, she recalls a boy named Shane in America who she reluctantly agreed to marry. Juggling a new world while her old one is still M.I.A is difficult enough without the terrifying movie scenes spinning a dizzy loop in her mind: glimpses of a devastating house fire, a romance gone wrong, an unplanned pregnancy, and a fractured family – each claiming to be part of who she once was – a girl and a past somehow discarded.
Ann Leigh must collect the pieces of herself to become whole again, but she doesn’t know who to trust especially when Tommy’s lies become too obvious to ignore. And above all, her heart aches to discover what became of the child she may or may not have given birth to.
The Making of Nebraska Brown tells the story of one girl’s coming apart from the inside and the great lengths she’ll go to reclaim herself and find her way home.
All at once she’s living with Tommy, an attractive, young foreigner asking for her continued love. Though he’s vaguely familiar, she recalls a boy named Shane in America who she reluctantly agreed to marry. Juggling a new world while her old one is still M.I.A is difficult enough without the terrifying movie scenes spinning a dizzy loop in her mind: glimpses of a devastating house fire, a romance gone wrong, an unplanned pregnancy, and a fractured family – each claiming to be part of who she once was – a girl and a past somehow discarded.
Ann Leigh must collect the pieces of herself to become whole again, but she doesn’t know who to trust especially when Tommy’s lies become too obvious to ignore. And above all, her heart aches to discover what became of the child she may or may not have given birth to.
The Making of Nebraska Brown tells the story of one girl’s coming apart from the inside and the great lengths she’ll go to reclaim herself and find her way home.
318 pages, Paperback
First published February 2, 2014
2 people are currently reading
504 people want to read
About the author
Louise Caiola
6 books41 followersLouise Caiola, former administrative assistant and small business owner, has authored several works of genre fiction, including WISHLESS, released in 2011, and THE MAKING OF NEBRASKA BROWN, an Amazon bestseller released in 2014. Her two-book short story collection PETIT FLEURS and VIGNETTES will be released in September 2014.
Louise has just wrapped up work on the first installment of a romantic fiction series, LITTLE MAY BIRDS. She has also begun crafting another contemporary mystery entitled COUNTING SNOW DOVES. WHAT TRULY KNOWS is her first paranormal novella debuting on August 5, 2014.
Visit her at www.louisecaiola.com or on Twitter via @AuthorLouiseC and @lcwritten.
Louise has just wrapped up work on the first installment of a romantic fiction series, LITTLE MAY BIRDS. She has also begun crafting another contemporary mystery entitled COUNTING SNOW DOVES. WHAT TRULY KNOWS is her first paranormal novella debuting on August 5, 2014.
Visit her at www.louisecaiola.com or on Twitter via @AuthorLouiseC and @lcwritten.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
March 18, 2021
It's books like this that make me wish I had the ability to cry over a book.
I don't. Which is probably worse than crying over any other book.
The Making of Nebraska Brown is an amazing book with a beautifully written story.
I also wish I could call that my review.
It left me speechless and, yet, there is so much I want to say about it.
How I managed to ever put it down I don't know; because I couldn't wait to get to the end and find out Ann Leigh's full story. And it is such a heart breaking story, I really felt for Ann Leigh and everything that she had gone through.
Just imagining what it would feel like to not only lose a part of who you are but also everyone you know and care about. And not even be sure if they ever existed in the first place!
And then finding everything out and having to start over and find your way again.
That's a lot to take.
And I mean that as a reader!
At certain points I kind of wanted to jump in there and help Ann Leigh.
I was rooting for her, I was crying for her (or at least trying to) I was just feeling so much for this one character.
This is one of those books that will stay with me for a very long while.
Why I haven't recommended it like crazy to everyone I know, is beyond me.
This is one of the greatest book I've read this year. If not in my life.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
I don't. Which is probably worse than crying over any other book.
The Making of Nebraska Brown is an amazing book with a beautifully written story.
I also wish I could call that my review.
It left me speechless and, yet, there is so much I want to say about it.
How I managed to ever put it down I don't know; because I couldn't wait to get to the end and find out Ann Leigh's full story. And it is such a heart breaking story, I really felt for Ann Leigh and everything that she had gone through.
Just imagining what it would feel like to not only lose a part of who you are but also everyone you know and care about. And not even be sure if they ever existed in the first place!
And then finding everything out and having to start over and find your way again.
That's a lot to take.
And I mean that as a reader!
At certain points I kind of wanted to jump in there and help Ann Leigh.
I was rooting for her, I was crying for her (or at least trying to) I was just feeling so much for this one character.
This is one of those books that will stay with me for a very long while.
Why I haven't recommended it like crazy to everyone I know, is beyond me.
This is one of the greatest book I've read this year. If not in my life.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 1, 2014
This is one of the best books I have ever read. A great story from cover to cover.
February 3, 2014
I received an ARC of this book from the author and have given this book the review I think it deserves based on the writing.
Let's get right into what I liked about this book, and I am going to avoid giving too much away :)
Main Character: Ann Leigh was probably the most really protagonist that I have read in a while. Some of the parts of her story broke my heart. I really was on the trip with her to discover who she is and what has happened. I am very reluctant to say too much because i won't everyone to get the pure enjoyment I had in reading this book. Suffice to say, the character of Ann Leigh was strong enough to carry this book hands down. She was real, not too perfect, a good person on the inside, but flawed as well. There were times, in the book, where I was angry about some of her actions and some of the things that she said. Great character!
Style: Writers spend all of their lives perfecting a writing style. Ms. Caiola has won me over with the way she writes. She has a flow in her writing that is almost like a dance. One part grace and two parts careful observation. For instance, in one part, she describes the way that someone listens with "She leaned in. I liked the way she had of listening with all the parts of her." It reminds me of people I know who make me feel as if I am the most important person in the room when they speak to me. Her descriptions of people and places are fantastic, especially when the Ann Leigh is comparing one to another, like comparing Tommy to Shane in her fragmented memories. She says, "Then he pulled me in, resting his damp chin on top of my head. He smelled salty, soapy. Ten perfect fingers danced across my back. Not was missing a significant portion. Not one had been involved in an ugly disfiguring accident."
Settings: Especially the parts in Italy. I have never been. So the parts in Italy made me feel like I was there.Especially the use of the language and the fact that Ms. Caiola was careful to place something in the narrative that helped me to stay up on what was being said. Ms. Caiola was good about describing sights, but also smells and sounds that were helpful in placing me there.
Altogether, The Making of Nebraska Brown is a great book that I would recommend to anyone who likes a YA mystery with heart. Great, great book!
February 7, 2014
First off, let me be clear that this was an ARC that was gifted to me for an early review.
Second, I love, love, loved! this book. There is so much I loved about this story that it's going to be hard to think of everything and mention here.
The author's style of writing kept me engaged. It was like sitting down with Ann over a glass of wine after not seeing her in several years. I was her very best, long lost friend playing catch up in the most intriguing way possible.
Miss Caiola's writing was very good about keeping me on the edge of my seat. Her ability to paint pictures with the descriptions made me feel like I was truly standing with the character, following her along as she went on an emotional journey to figure out who she was and what had happened to her memories.
This book pulled at my heart strings. I laughed in parts, cried in others, and I felt close to the character. I suspected with her, searched with her, and even came to terms with her.
I'm astounded by the writing and the story. Love, lost, betrayal and lies, hope, fear, discovery, all of these are elements within The Makings of Nebraska Brown. When it ended, I was sad. I wanted more. I wasn't ready to let go of Ann's story. This story is definitely one that will stay with me for quite some time.
I highly recommend this to anyone who loves active and engaging reads that grip you from the first word, and never leave you once the last word has been read.
This review also appears on Amazon and at www.samanthalafantasie.com
Second, I love, love, loved! this book. There is so much I loved about this story that it's going to be hard to think of everything and mention here.
The author's style of writing kept me engaged. It was like sitting down with Ann over a glass of wine after not seeing her in several years. I was her very best, long lost friend playing catch up in the most intriguing way possible.
Miss Caiola's writing was very good about keeping me on the edge of my seat. Her ability to paint pictures with the descriptions made me feel like I was truly standing with the character, following her along as she went on an emotional journey to figure out who she was and what had happened to her memories.
This book pulled at my heart strings. I laughed in parts, cried in others, and I felt close to the character. I suspected with her, searched with her, and even came to terms with her.
I'm astounded by the writing and the story. Love, lost, betrayal and lies, hope, fear, discovery, all of these are elements within The Makings of Nebraska Brown. When it ended, I was sad. I wanted more. I wasn't ready to let go of Ann's story. This story is definitely one that will stay with me for quite some time.
I highly recommend this to anyone who loves active and engaging reads that grip you from the first word, and never leave you once the last word has been read.
This review also appears on Amazon and at www.samanthalafantasie.com
February 9, 2014
Louise Caiola's book The Making of Nebraska Brown is a great read from start to finish. Although the title sounds standard like other books, the story and how the characters unfold is anything but standard, it is a great work and well written. I was mesmerized by Ann Leigh in her quest to find herself and her future. This should be made into a movie, I haven't read a great story as touching as this in a very long time! Awesome work Louise! :-)
February 14, 2014
This was written very well and the story line could hook you my hardest part was jumping one year to another and the beginning!! But I did love the story!!
June 24, 2014
**See this full review and more at http://bookbriefs.net**
The Making of Nebraska Brown is so unlike anything I have read in years! It is jarring and emotional, thought provoking, and intriguing in all the best ways possible. This is my second book that I have had the pleasure of reading by the talented Louise Caiola and my biggest takeaway is that both of her books have made me feel so many things.
Ana or Ann wakes up on the ground in the middle of Italy with no memory of how she got there. Last thing she remembers is being on a farm in Nebraska, which she finds out was 2 years ago. But then the story shifts once she makes her way back to what apparently is her house in Italy. The problem reverse and suddenly she can only remember things from her recent life as she experiencing them and she can’t remember anything from her past. She doesn’t know who to trust and she certainly doesn’t know what happened to her. A ton of different theories flew around in my head, but I wasn’t right about a single one of them.
I became so attached to Ana. Her thought process felt like my own. I trusted her instincts so much that if she didn’t trust something or someone, I didn’t trust them. I felt like I was living the story through her eyes. Louise Caiola has a wonderful talent of being able to transport you inside of her stories. I couldn’t put The Making of Nebraska Brown down. (ha) I had to find out what the heck had happened to her.
I never fully trusted Tommy. I don’t know why, but something just seemed off about him. I will say, that even though I was never completely on board with him. I kind of hoped for a little more from him at the end of the story. I wanted a little more resolution with that part.
The Making of Nebraska Brown is a fascinating mystery. It had to have been so scary and jarring for Ana to experience all of this. Not knowing what the heck was going on. Not knowing what was real and what wasn’t. Having to question everything- even herself. I really felt for her. But not once did I think she was crazy. This book is like a super satisfying, albeit sometimes sad, puzzle. Not everything is happy go lucky but it was still really satisfying to watch her finally start to put some pieces together and see her get closer to some answers. I can’t say enough good things about how refreshing and well done this book is. Do yourself a favor and add this one to your TBR. You will be thanking me.
The Making of Nebraska Brown is so unlike anything I have read in years! It is jarring and emotional, thought provoking, and intriguing in all the best ways possible. This is my second book that I have had the pleasure of reading by the talented Louise Caiola and my biggest takeaway is that both of her books have made me feel so many things.
Ana or Ann wakes up on the ground in the middle of Italy with no memory of how she got there. Last thing she remembers is being on a farm in Nebraska, which she finds out was 2 years ago. But then the story shifts once she makes her way back to what apparently is her house in Italy. The problem reverse and suddenly she can only remember things from her recent life as she experiencing them and she can’t remember anything from her past. She doesn’t know who to trust and she certainly doesn’t know what happened to her. A ton of different theories flew around in my head, but I wasn’t right about a single one of them.
I became so attached to Ana. Her thought process felt like my own. I trusted her instincts so much that if she didn’t trust something or someone, I didn’t trust them. I felt like I was living the story through her eyes. Louise Caiola has a wonderful talent of being able to transport you inside of her stories. I couldn’t put The Making of Nebraska Brown down. (ha) I had to find out what the heck had happened to her.
I never fully trusted Tommy. I don’t know why, but something just seemed off about him. I will say, that even though I was never completely on board with him. I kind of hoped for a little more from him at the end of the story. I wanted a little more resolution with that part.
The Making of Nebraska Brown is a fascinating mystery. It had to have been so scary and jarring for Ana to experience all of this. Not knowing what the heck was going on. Not knowing what was real and what wasn’t. Having to question everything- even herself. I really felt for her. But not once did I think she was crazy. This book is like a super satisfying, albeit sometimes sad, puzzle. Not everything is happy go lucky but it was still really satisfying to watch her finally start to put some pieces together and see her get closer to some answers. I can’t say enough good things about how refreshing and well done this book is. Do yourself a favor and add this one to your TBR. You will be thanking me.
March 2, 2014
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
First, let me say that this is not the type of book I would normally read. I usually stick to the paranormal, contemporary or erotic romance genres, preferably those with HEAs. That said, when I read the synopsis for this book, I thought it was quite intriguing which prompted me to reply to an offer of the book for my honest review.
The author does a fantastic job of weaving the storyline, giving you pieces of the puzzle here and there as the story unfolds. The description of Ana/Ann's life in Italy is wonderful, making me want to go visit there myself. As for the characters, Ana/Ann was a little hard for me to grasp, but that is probably the result of her being someone not sure of their identity. I loved Renata, she seems so carefree and dedicated to her friend Ana. And Tommy-I was really hoping things would turn out with him and actually kind of felt bad for him at the end. I think he just made the wrong choices to try and get things to turn out the way he wanted them to; maybe if he had gone about things differently, the situation would have turned out better.
I did not care for Ann Leigh's family at all (with the exception of Duke), especially her parents who it seems cared more about appearances than their own child. If I was in her place, I probably would have made the same decision she did.
This story keeps you drawn in, reading for hours at a time to try and figure out what really happened. It was a bit wordy for me-in some spots almost a bit rambling, and there were a few grammar/basic editing errors and these things along with my difficulty with Ana/Ann's character are why I rated it as 4 stars. It's still an excellent book and if you're looking for something a bit different and on the serious side, I would definitely recommend it.
A big thank you to the author for the opportunity to read this!
First, let me say that this is not the type of book I would normally read. I usually stick to the paranormal, contemporary or erotic romance genres, preferably those with HEAs. That said, when I read the synopsis for this book, I thought it was quite intriguing which prompted me to reply to an offer of the book for my honest review.
The author does a fantastic job of weaving the storyline, giving you pieces of the puzzle here and there as the story unfolds. The description of Ana/Ann's life in Italy is wonderful, making me want to go visit there myself. As for the characters, Ana/Ann was a little hard for me to grasp, but that is probably the result of her being someone not sure of their identity. I loved Renata, she seems so carefree and dedicated to her friend Ana. And Tommy-I was really hoping things would turn out with him and actually kind of felt bad for him at the end. I think he just made the wrong choices to try and get things to turn out the way he wanted them to; maybe if he had gone about things differently, the situation would have turned out better.
I did not care for Ann Leigh's family at all (with the exception of Duke), especially her parents who it seems cared more about appearances than their own child. If I was in her place, I probably would have made the same decision she did.
This story keeps you drawn in, reading for hours at a time to try and figure out what really happened. It was a bit wordy for me-in some spots almost a bit rambling, and there were a few grammar/basic editing errors and these things along with my difficulty with Ana/Ann's character are why I rated it as 4 stars. It's still an excellent book and if you're looking for something a bit different and on the serious side, I would definitely recommend it.
A big thank you to the author for the opportunity to read this!
April 1, 2014
This book kept me intrigued all the way through. I'm always fascinated by stories that deal with identity issues, especially those involving the character's struggle to place herself in her own life. Ana Lisa/Ann Leigh is equally certain of her place in the two worlds she seems to inhabit - yet there is no explanation of how she's got from one to the other or how the two worlds are connected. Ana Lisa's body and senses are comfortable in the presence of her boyfriend, Tommy, with whom she seems to have an established relationship, but she's also suspicious of him. Something isn't right but she doesn't know what it is. And her alter-ego, Ann Leigh, continually seeks Shane, the boy she was supposed to marry. What happened to him and her old life? Seemingly idyllic as the life Ana Lisa's currently inhabiting is, she needs to find a way through the secrets and lies she's sure Tommy is orchestrating, and find out who she really is.
I found both Ana Lisa and Ann Leigh engaging and empathetic. I was particularly drawn in by the story of the loss the combined character feels without being able to identify fully what it is. The book is calmly written, without fuss, which makes the emotional story even more believable. How what had seemed a secure life could fall so irrevocably apart through the rigidity of an unshakable believe-system, it shocked me.
I found both Ana Lisa and Ann Leigh engaging and empathetic. I was particularly drawn in by the story of the loss the combined character feels without being able to identify fully what it is. The book is calmly written, without fuss, which makes the emotional story even more believable. How what had seemed a secure life could fall so irrevocably apart through the rigidity of an unshakable believe-system, it shocked me.
February 1, 2014
Living in Italy with Tommy would be any girl's dream come true, but to Ann Leigh a forgotten past begins to come alive, making her perfect life not so right anymore. Flashes of America's bread belt, a boy named Shane, and a pregnancy she knows was hers drives her to find out who she really is...and then she remembers the fire.
From the beginning this story captured me with its pure beauty. It is obviously written with great love, thought and skill. What an amazing author Louise Caiola is! Too often I don't fully attach myself to characters but I couldn't help but love the ones who were brought to life in 'The Making of Nebraska Brown'. They were real. I never struggled bringing them into my heart and mind. They where beautifully flawed, making them believable as if they lived right next door. I could relate and I felt myself wanting to extend my hand out to these characters in hopes to be there with them. It has been days since I finished this book and the story is still on my mind. That lets me know I've read an instant classic.
I will treasure this book. It has earned a place on my shelves. I can't wait to read more of Louise Caiola's works. What an amazing author! I am a fan!
I received this ARC from the publisher.
From the beginning this story captured me with its pure beauty. It is obviously written with great love, thought and skill. What an amazing author Louise Caiola is! Too often I don't fully attach myself to characters but I couldn't help but love the ones who were brought to life in 'The Making of Nebraska Brown'. They were real. I never struggled bringing them into my heart and mind. They where beautifully flawed, making them believable as if they lived right next door. I could relate and I felt myself wanting to extend my hand out to these characters in hopes to be there with them. It has been days since I finished this book and the story is still on my mind. That lets me know I've read an instant classic.
I will treasure this book. It has earned a place on my shelves. I can't wait to read more of Louise Caiola's works. What an amazing author! I am a fan!
I received this ARC from the publisher.
March 1, 2014
Masterfully written and wonderfully descriptive, The Making of Nebraska Brown takes us from Nebraska to Italy and beyond. This is Ann Leigh’s journey to finding herself. And as she fits together the pieces of her fragmented past, so does the reader. As the story progresses, questions become louder and we are drawn in more.
Haunting, lyrical, and heartfelt with no punches pulled, The Making of Nebraska Brown covers the full spectrum of human emotions as Ana Lisa struggles to understand where she came from and who she really is. With the quintessential Italian boyfriend, she’s thousands of miles from her family, finally realizing that part of her life is missing. She must struggle to mend her mind on her own, unsure of anything in her past or her present. But is she Ann Leigh or Ana Lisa, as the Italians call her? Her life is a mystery she must unravel.
Louise Caiola’s deep, complex novel stays with you, and I found myself thinking about the characters and their plights almost as if they were real. It’s also the kind of book which can be read again immediately and seen in a different light.
(Reviewed based on an ARC received from publisher)
Haunting, lyrical, and heartfelt with no punches pulled, The Making of Nebraska Brown covers the full spectrum of human emotions as Ana Lisa struggles to understand where she came from and who she really is. With the quintessential Italian boyfriend, she’s thousands of miles from her family, finally realizing that part of her life is missing. She must struggle to mend her mind on her own, unsure of anything in her past or her present. But is she Ann Leigh or Ana Lisa, as the Italians call her? Her life is a mystery she must unravel.
Louise Caiola’s deep, complex novel stays with you, and I found myself thinking about the characters and their plights almost as if they were real. It’s also the kind of book which can be read again immediately and seen in a different light.
(Reviewed based on an ARC received from publisher)
February 5, 2014
What a head game! I had the opportunity to get a sneak peek at The Making of Nebraska Brown before it's release and I feel like such a lucky dog. This beautiful book is full of twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the very end. Atmosphere, mystery, romance - it has everything I love in a story! Best of all, author Louise Caiola gave me a heroine to root for with all my heart. I'd heard the novel described as Under the Tuscan Sun meets The Wizard of Oz. I can't think of a more apt comparison. The Making of Nebraska Brown takes readers on a thrilling and unforgettable journey and I couldn't have enjoyed the trip more.
February 14, 2014
Reading The Making of Nebraska Brown by Louise Caiola was an experience that ended all too soon. I read it as fast as I could to find out what happened next, but I was sad when I was finished. Caiola’s characters seem like real people from the beginning, and I cared about what happened to them. Her writing style appeals to the reader’s senses and emotions, and also to the writer’s ear. Phrases like we rode in a silence saturated with the unsaid. It was unbearably loud, made me pause and think I wish I’d said that. Whether you’re a fan of romance, mystery, or just excellent writing, The Making of Nebraska Brown is an experience not to be missed.
February 27, 2014
I loved this book! I fell in love with the cover and was so happy when the author sent me an ebook to review. It took me less than 2 days to read this because it was so good. The characters are so well-written and the story is so heartfelt. I can't say enough good things about this book. I wish it would have just gone on and on. Beautiful story line, amazing settings, amazing characters....this all makes for an amazing book! Well worth your time!
February 14, 2014
" I loved this book! The way it switched back and forth through her memories to the present really made you feel like you were inside her head. I was on the edge of me seat every time she remembered something more and then...it was so close, almost within her reach. Definitely a page turner because I couldn't guess how it would turn out until the last minute!
March 12, 2014
I was lucky enough to receive this novel through the ARC program and was enthralled from the first page. A coming of age novel that spans international lines and drives you to turn page after page until you know all the answers. Highly enjoyable, perfect book for a cozy night in!
March 20, 2014
Some of us read for the escape.
Some of us read as a way of meditation - it calms them.
Others, read for the amazing characters and authors who invent them
I am a reader for the calming escape AND for the amazing
characters. I also read for the journey and THIS book took me on one super ride!!
5 stunning ***** from someone who took the journey!!!
This is a full-length stand-alone. There is no cheating in this book.
NOTE: I want to make this review as simple as possible so not to give the story-line away. If, no when, you decide to read this sensational book, you'll be happy I didn't reveal too much!!
I've got to be honest...when I first started this book, I was not a fan. You can see I gave it 5 stars...so what changed? That's where the journey come in. It was breathtaking, it moved me. Moved me to confusion, frustration, intrigue, happiness, tears, and I one point I think my heart literally stopped beating. So many bloggers, readers and even authors ask for books that are like nothing they've ever read. This, my book friends, is that book. It's a New Adult Mystery...and mysterious it is.
The book starts with Ann Leigh, AKA Ana Lisa, in a dream-like state. Reading those first few chapters was tough for me as I wasn't sure about the whole premise of the story. I kept thinking, 'where is this going? This better not end lame.' But the weird thing was - I just couldn't stop reading it! I couldn't put it down. Like all those eCards - 'Just one more chapter'. That was totally me!! Ana feels like she doesn't know who she is. She awakes from a 'nap' and she's in Italy, she knows enough Italian to get the gist of a conversation and communicate back, yet she was dreaming or having a flashback of a time in Nebraska. The states. How did she get there and what happened? Was it real? Is it still real? Is that where she really belongs? When she begins her home life in Italy she continues with the flashbacks and it sets her on this panicked whirlwind trying to figure out who she is.
"Who taught me?...To tie my shoes. Somebody had to have shown me how. Who? Where did I learn?...I don't know. I don't remember."
I had this extremely leery feeling about Tommy. We have this woman, early twenties, who has lingering memories of her current life. When Tommy exposes her to something of their daily life together, she remembers. However, Ana keeps having these wild dreams or are they memories? And they consist a whole other life. Across an ocean. In Nebraska. It was strange, how Tommy just tried to go on. Business as usual. At first, he seemed to write it all off although, he was almost overly kind. The whole book is a roller coaster regarding my feelings towards Tommy. He never says he doesn't believe her but tries to steer her back to THEIR life. I didn't feel like he was doing this with malicious intent. There are times when I'm just completely confused. Is Tommy a good guy or a guy out to keep her from some of the truths Ana is seeking. At some point, I was swayed with all his nurturing actions. Then, I would find myself not so sure of him again. Looking back, now that I'm re-reading my notes and quotes I highlighted, I think it was the way the author plays with words - and she does so in the most captivating way.
"Ana, we have built a lovely life together...I will give you whatever your heart desires."
The Making of Nebraska Brown is a book that makes you feel when and what the characters feel, as all great books do. The difference between this book and other great ones is simply verbiage. There are no lulls in this book. It's constantly winding, twisting, moving you along in this terrific path that you have to no choice but to follow along in the darkness that is mere mystery. Both, Tommy and Ann Leigh are enchanting characters who are brilliantly written. I read this book with a constant scrutiny as I tried, and failed, to figure out the madness. There were many tearful moments. I wanted to hug Ann Leigh and tell her that whatever the outcome of all this craziness, it will be okay in the end. As I was nearing the end of the book - I was disappointed it was almost over - but I was wistful regarding the outcome of Ann Leigh's story. I knew that this was the right way to end this journey, but that didn't make it any easier on my heart.
"I don't want to think it was you, Tommy. I don't want to think for one minute that YOU did this to me. That you did something to make me forget. Did you, Tommy? Was this all your doing?
Thank you Louise Caiola!! What an amazing journey!!!
Some of us read as a way of meditation - it calms them.
Others, read for the amazing characters and authors who invent them
I am a reader for the calming escape AND for the amazing
characters. I also read for the journey and THIS book took me on one super ride!!
5 stunning ***** from someone who took the journey!!!
This is a full-length stand-alone. There is no cheating in this book.
NOTE: I want to make this review as simple as possible so not to give the story-line away. If, no when, you decide to read this sensational book, you'll be happy I didn't reveal too much!!
I've got to be honest...when I first started this book, I was not a fan. You can see I gave it 5 stars...so what changed? That's where the journey come in. It was breathtaking, it moved me. Moved me to confusion, frustration, intrigue, happiness, tears, and I one point I think my heart literally stopped beating. So many bloggers, readers and even authors ask for books that are like nothing they've ever read. This, my book friends, is that book. It's a New Adult Mystery...and mysterious it is.
The book starts with Ann Leigh, AKA Ana Lisa, in a dream-like state. Reading those first few chapters was tough for me as I wasn't sure about the whole premise of the story. I kept thinking, 'where is this going? This better not end lame.' But the weird thing was - I just couldn't stop reading it! I couldn't put it down. Like all those eCards - 'Just one more chapter'. That was totally me!! Ana feels like she doesn't know who she is. She awakes from a 'nap' and she's in Italy, she knows enough Italian to get the gist of a conversation and communicate back, yet she was dreaming or having a flashback of a time in Nebraska. The states. How did she get there and what happened? Was it real? Is it still real? Is that where she really belongs? When she begins her home life in Italy she continues with the flashbacks and it sets her on this panicked whirlwind trying to figure out who she is.
"Who taught me?...To tie my shoes. Somebody had to have shown me how. Who? Where did I learn?...I don't know. I don't remember."
I had this extremely leery feeling about Tommy. We have this woman, early twenties, who has lingering memories of her current life. When Tommy exposes her to something of their daily life together, she remembers. However, Ana keeps having these wild dreams or are they memories? And they consist a whole other life. Across an ocean. In Nebraska. It was strange, how Tommy just tried to go on. Business as usual. At first, he seemed to write it all off although, he was almost overly kind. The whole book is a roller coaster regarding my feelings towards Tommy. He never says he doesn't believe her but tries to steer her back to THEIR life. I didn't feel like he was doing this with malicious intent. There are times when I'm just completely confused. Is Tommy a good guy or a guy out to keep her from some of the truths Ana is seeking. At some point, I was swayed with all his nurturing actions. Then, I would find myself not so sure of him again. Looking back, now that I'm re-reading my notes and quotes I highlighted, I think it was the way the author plays with words - and she does so in the most captivating way.
"Ana, we have built a lovely life together...I will give you whatever your heart desires."
The Making of Nebraska Brown is a book that makes you feel when and what the characters feel, as all great books do. The difference between this book and other great ones is simply verbiage. There are no lulls in this book. It's constantly winding, twisting, moving you along in this terrific path that you have to no choice but to follow along in the darkness that is mere mystery. Both, Tommy and Ann Leigh are enchanting characters who are brilliantly written. I read this book with a constant scrutiny as I tried, and failed, to figure out the madness. There were many tearful moments. I wanted to hug Ann Leigh and tell her that whatever the outcome of all this craziness, it will be okay in the end. As I was nearing the end of the book - I was disappointed it was almost over - but I was wistful regarding the outcome of Ann Leigh's story. I knew that this was the right way to end this journey, but that didn't make it any easier on my heart.
"I don't want to think it was you, Tommy. I don't want to think for one minute that YOU did this to me. That you did something to make me forget. Did you, Tommy? Was this all your doing?
Thank you Louise Caiola!! What an amazing journey!!!
January 21, 2015
I was drawn to this book by the blurb, which got me very intrigued, but the actual book is much more than I could guess. It got me wondering all the time what had happened with Ann Leigh! I was actually scared that the end wouldn’t hold up to the story. Oh, but it did. It was perfect. I was so invested in the story and it all seemed so weird that I was almost expecting some major proportion conspiracy with alien abductions or something, but it wasn’t. The explanation was very logical and even plausible and it fit well in the story. It did not disappoint. I loved it!
Another fear I had was that it was going to be too much for just one book and that the end would be rushed. Again, it wasn’t. The book is whole in itself in an excellently devised manner. It isn’t too much nor too little. It is such a beautiful story I can’t get over it.
We don’t get too much inside of the characters for obvious reasons. The narrator was Ana Lisa/Ann Leigh who couldn’t remember much of anything. So we only get to know them through Ann Leigh’s impressions and memories. It was enough though.
At first I felt like Ana Lisa and Ann Leigh were two different characters, but it was a cool thing because that’s how she was feeling. I couldn’t put them together until the end. So I guess I was living through the experience along her. I wish I could be there to help her and hold her hand. My heart ached for her situation. I sympathized so much with her that it surprises me how much I care even now.
I loved Shane, and felt so sorry for him. But he was a devoted gentleman, you could tell he had a huge heart and that he would have made a loving husband. On the other hand, I was sceptical and dubious towards Tommy since moment one. Nobody is so lovely all the time; and with his dual personality thing, he was a big no, no. You could sense something off.
Renata was hilarious! I would adore a friend like her. She had this vibrant and colourful personality, all though I can’t get a hold on a certain piece of information we were given that wasn’t discussed further more. It felt unnecessary.
Finally, I did not care much for Ann Leigh’s family. They appeared as individualists. They didn’t seem to be concerned as a normal family would, or at least what my experience of a family is.
There weren’t actual changes in the POV but rather changes in the time where the story was set. It constantly went back and forth to the past and the present when the memories came back. It was a great technique to give us the information needed, and it was very well done. At first they appeared to be two separate stories which collided at the end, and got you hooked and engaged throughout the whole journey. Really mind trapping.
There were some issues with the formatting of my book, but it was the kind of thing that goes wrong when converting eBooks from one format to another, so I don’t blame that on the author nor the editing, but the converting program.
The book was so unexpected and unique. It is thrilling and thought provoking; spectacularly woven and flawless in its writing. The descriptions and characters are so real you can practically feel and see them, and the mystery is written in such a way you cannot guess what’s coming next.
It is an absolute masterpiece, and I would recommend it to any literature and mystery fans.
*Note: I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review, but my opinion was not biased in any way by this fact.
Another fear I had was that it was going to be too much for just one book and that the end would be rushed. Again, it wasn’t. The book is whole in itself in an excellently devised manner. It isn’t too much nor too little. It is such a beautiful story I can’t get over it.
We don’t get too much inside of the characters for obvious reasons. The narrator was Ana Lisa/Ann Leigh who couldn’t remember much of anything. So we only get to know them through Ann Leigh’s impressions and memories. It was enough though.
At first I felt like Ana Lisa and Ann Leigh were two different characters, but it was a cool thing because that’s how she was feeling. I couldn’t put them together until the end. So I guess I was living through the experience along her. I wish I could be there to help her and hold her hand. My heart ached for her situation. I sympathized so much with her that it surprises me how much I care even now.
I loved Shane, and felt so sorry for him. But he was a devoted gentleman, you could tell he had a huge heart and that he would have made a loving husband. On the other hand, I was sceptical and dubious towards Tommy since moment one. Nobody is so lovely all the time; and with his dual personality thing, he was a big no, no. You could sense something off.
Renata was hilarious! I would adore a friend like her. She had this vibrant and colourful personality, all though I can’t get a hold on a certain piece of information we were given that wasn’t discussed further more. It felt unnecessary.
Finally, I did not care much for Ann Leigh’s family. They appeared as individualists. They didn’t seem to be concerned as a normal family would, or at least what my experience of a family is.
There weren’t actual changes in the POV but rather changes in the time where the story was set. It constantly went back and forth to the past and the present when the memories came back. It was a great technique to give us the information needed, and it was very well done. At first they appeared to be two separate stories which collided at the end, and got you hooked and engaged throughout the whole journey. Really mind trapping.
There were some issues with the formatting of my book, but it was the kind of thing that goes wrong when converting eBooks from one format to another, so I don’t blame that on the author nor the editing, but the converting program.
The book was so unexpected and unique. It is thrilling and thought provoking; spectacularly woven and flawless in its writing. The descriptions and characters are so real you can practically feel and see them, and the mystery is written in such a way you cannot guess what’s coming next.
It is an absolute masterpiece, and I would recommend it to any literature and mystery fans.
*Note: I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review, but my opinion was not biased in any way by this fact.
April 12, 2014
To start off, I’d like to say that I absolutely adore the cover! When Rebecca first sent out the news for the tour, I stared at the cover for a good two minutes; it is definitely my favourite of…at least the past year.
Onto the review!
Wow. Well, let’s see if I can make at least partial sense. As I’ve already mentioned elsewhere, this book needled every available feeling…several times over.
In short, Louise Caiola has done a magnificent job telling Ann Leigh’s* story.Now all we need is the tale of when/how the disgusting sea urchin Tommy dies. … I just harbor a lot of hatred for him. I didn’t like him from the very beginning, he’s one of the types that I despise. Still, Ms. Caiola’s storytelling skills are so remarkable that even my most hated person throughout the entire bloody novel is memorable. This might not seem like that big of a deal–the hated are often remembered, are they not? For me, though, not many people that I hate are so easily stuck in my memory–I tend to forget them within a few days/weeks. I don’t think I’ll forget him anytime soon…
Enough of that, I suppose. I’d rather focus on how much I love this book! When I first started my review, it got extremely long in an exceptionally short span of time. I have, over the course of the past week, trimmed it down. Way down.
“The Making of Nebraska Brown” is, without question, one of the best books I have ever read. Not just within the past X days, months, or even years–no, of all time.
“You can go home again. But it may not be there when you finally arrive.”–this is my favourite quote. Possibly my favourite thing ever. I’m all too aware of how true this is, and I believe this message is why, even though I’ve never been in Ann Leigh’s exact position, I can relate to her so closely. Why I have such a connection with her. In the end, it all goes back to Louise Caiola’s incredible writing, way of connecting us–me–to the most complicated of situations that I haven’t a personal inkling of…she deserves an award, to be honest. All the awards! I can go on and on, but nothing will ever fully express my love for this book. I did promise myself I wouldn’t gush for too long, so I suppose I can simply end it here. Well, after I give my rating!
I’m extremely guarded when it comes to 4.5 and 5 star reviews, but this…it stole my heart almost immediately. It’s something I hope to revisit within this year, that’s how good it is.
Without any hesitation, I give “The Making of Nebraska Brown” 5 stars.
*I refuse to call her “Ana,” I don’t care what anyone else says.
Onto the review!
Wow. Well, let’s see if I can make at least partial sense. As I’ve already mentioned elsewhere, this book needled every available feeling…several times over.
In short, Louise Caiola has done a magnificent job telling Ann Leigh’s* story.
Enough of that, I suppose. I’d rather focus on how much I love this book! When I first started my review, it got extremely long in an exceptionally short span of time. I have, over the course of the past week, trimmed it down. Way down.
“The Making of Nebraska Brown” is, without question, one of the best books I have ever read. Not just within the past X days, months, or even years–no, of all time.
“You can go home again. But it may not be there when you finally arrive.”–this is my favourite quote. Possibly my favourite thing ever. I’m all too aware of how true this is, and I believe this message is why, even though I’ve never been in Ann Leigh’s exact position, I can relate to her so closely. Why I have such a connection with her. In the end, it all goes back to Louise Caiola’s incredible writing, way of connecting us–me–to the most complicated of situations that I haven’t a personal inkling of…she deserves an award, to be honest. All the awards! I can go on and on, but nothing will ever fully express my love for this book. I did promise myself I wouldn’t gush for too long, so I suppose I can simply end it here. Well, after I give my rating!
I’m extremely guarded when it comes to 4.5 and 5 star reviews, but this…it stole my heart almost immediately. It’s something I hope to revisit within this year, that’s how good it is.
Without any hesitation, I give “The Making of Nebraska Brown” 5 stars.
*I refuse to call her “Ana,” I don’t care what anyone else says.
April 6, 2014
Secrets, lies and memory loss:
An unusual story from Louise Caiola, ‘The Making of Nebraska Brown’ had me hooked straight from the beginning. At first I thought this was a story about a young woman who appears to have suffered from memory loss, but there is a lot more being offered in this narrative.
Ana (Italian version) or Ann Leigh (Nebraskan version)? The main protagonist feels completed isolated from those around her in what is apparently her life in Italy. Everyone else knows her but she does not. The loneliness and panic that Ana experiences is very believable, and coupled with the flashbacks to her life in Nebraska, the whole idea of disjointed memories leaves readers being as desperate to piece Ana back together as she is herself.
The two lives that we are presented with are very different. First, Ann Leigh in Nebraska looks to be trapped in a marriage that she doesn’t love in return, stuck in a small town and helping to run the family business, a growing diner-restaurant. On the flip side, Italian Ana lives and works with her attractive and wealthy boyfriend, living a typical Italian lifestyle and enjoying everything that is offered. When these two worlds seemingly collide in Ana’s head, she questions her Italian life and what she thinks she knows. Suddenly suspicious of her boyfriend and his apparent support towards her, I found myself hoping that Ana would find inner peace and learn what connects these two very different lives.
This is the first book I have read by Caiola and I really enjoyed it. I was very quickly drawn into the narrative and had lots of questions about where the story would go in a very short space of time. It is a very intriguing plot and with every question that Ana answers, a load more surface to be addressed. The flashbacks between past and present are seamlessly embedded into the narrative and each time Ana returns to the present, the author leaves us on a cliffhanger, desperate, like Ana, to know what happens next.
This is a great read and one I would definitely visit again. I thoroughly enjoyed it and found it different to other books I have read recently. I would be interested to see what other books this author has written and am glad I was given the opportunity to read this. You can easily immerse yourself into the story and before you know it, you won’t want to put it down.
This book was provided to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.
An unusual story from Louise Caiola, ‘The Making of Nebraska Brown’ had me hooked straight from the beginning. At first I thought this was a story about a young woman who appears to have suffered from memory loss, but there is a lot more being offered in this narrative.
Ana (Italian version) or Ann Leigh (Nebraskan version)? The main protagonist feels completed isolated from those around her in what is apparently her life in Italy. Everyone else knows her but she does not. The loneliness and panic that Ana experiences is very believable, and coupled with the flashbacks to her life in Nebraska, the whole idea of disjointed memories leaves readers being as desperate to piece Ana back together as she is herself.
The two lives that we are presented with are very different. First, Ann Leigh in Nebraska looks to be trapped in a marriage that she doesn’t love in return, stuck in a small town and helping to run the family business, a growing diner-restaurant. On the flip side, Italian Ana lives and works with her attractive and wealthy boyfriend, living a typical Italian lifestyle and enjoying everything that is offered. When these two worlds seemingly collide in Ana’s head, she questions her Italian life and what she thinks she knows. Suddenly suspicious of her boyfriend and his apparent support towards her, I found myself hoping that Ana would find inner peace and learn what connects these two very different lives.
This is the first book I have read by Caiola and I really enjoyed it. I was very quickly drawn into the narrative and had lots of questions about where the story would go in a very short space of time. It is a very intriguing plot and with every question that Ana answers, a load more surface to be addressed. The flashbacks between past and present are seamlessly embedded into the narrative and each time Ana returns to the present, the author leaves us on a cliffhanger, desperate, like Ana, to know what happens next.
This is a great read and one I would definitely visit again. I thoroughly enjoyed it and found it different to other books I have read recently. I would be interested to see what other books this author has written and am glad I was given the opportunity to read this. You can easily immerse yourself into the story and before you know it, you won’t want to put it down.
This book was provided to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.
June 20, 2014
This author being new to me, I thought I had received this book as an Early Reviewer copy through Library Thing, however now I'm not so sure! When I started it I had no idea what it would be about or what style it would be in, so for me it was a wonderful surprise, in some sense mirroring the story.
I really enjoyed this book. The intrigue of trying to work out what had happened to Ana Lisa/Anne Leigh for her to become who she now was kept me captivated from the start. I too often thought I had worked it out, only for the story to take another twist and disprove my theory.
It reminded me very much of Into the Darkest Corner by Elizabeth Haynes, although altogether less dark. I think that if you like one of these books, you would also enjoy the other.
It is a very visual book, with a real sense of place and character as Ana's life unfolds. I was absolutely with Anne Leigh as she went up - and fell from - the water tower, the dryness and small-town feel of her Nebraska hometown, the rural roughness of Shane. And then as we see Italy through Ana Lisa's eyes, I felt the warmth on my skin, smelt the heady scents of the Botanical Park, apples and bakery. I reveled in her friendship with the quirky Renata, felt increasingly nervous about her relationship with Tommy, experienced the awkwardness around her family. I felt alternately puzzled, elated, saddened and heartened by the apparent craziness of unfurling memories, initially fragmented and then filling in the gaps to complete the jigsaw. Whatever Ana Lisa/Anne Leigh felt, I was right there with her.
I do agree that in some parts I thought 'well I don't think that would have happened that way', however this in no way put me off - I see it as a sign of how fully engaged in the story I was, and ultimately life's not predictable!
I think it would make a great film, someone really ought to snap it up...
A great read from start to finish, definitely worth giving it a whirl.
I really enjoyed this book. The intrigue of trying to work out what had happened to Ana Lisa/Anne Leigh for her to become who she now was kept me captivated from the start. I too often thought I had worked it out, only for the story to take another twist and disprove my theory.
It reminded me very much of Into the Darkest Corner by Elizabeth Haynes, although altogether less dark. I think that if you like one of these books, you would also enjoy the other.
It is a very visual book, with a real sense of place and character as Ana's life unfolds. I was absolutely with Anne Leigh as she went up - and fell from - the water tower, the dryness and small-town feel of her Nebraska hometown, the rural roughness of Shane. And then as we see Italy through Ana Lisa's eyes, I felt the warmth on my skin, smelt the heady scents of the Botanical Park, apples and bakery. I reveled in her friendship with the quirky Renata, felt increasingly nervous about her relationship with Tommy, experienced the awkwardness around her family. I felt alternately puzzled, elated, saddened and heartened by the apparent craziness of unfurling memories, initially fragmented and then filling in the gaps to complete the jigsaw. Whatever Ana Lisa/Anne Leigh felt, I was right there with her.
I do agree that in some parts I thought 'well I don't think that would have happened that way', however this in no way put me off - I see it as a sign of how fully engaged in the story I was, and ultimately life's not predictable!
I think it would make a great film, someone really ought to snap it up...
A great read from start to finish, definitely worth giving it a whirl.
April 9, 2014
The last thing Ann Leigh remembers is climbing the water tower to get away from Shane Kirkland, the man she is reluctantly supposed to marry. Somehow she wakes up in Campania, Italy, able to understand and speak Italian. She finds out that her name is Ana Lisa Carcossi (as evidenced by her passport) and that she lives with her boyfriend Tommy, who is also her boss. She has dreams of her past as Ann Leigh. But are they dreams or memories? With the help of Tommy and her friend Renata, Ana sets out on a quest to find out who she really is and how she came to be who she is now. What happened that was so terrible that she made herself forget? Will she be able to find her way back to herself? When Ana recovers her memories, will she wish she never had? And what part does Tommy play in all of this?
There are a few minor editing errors (e.g. course instead of coarse, stationary instead of stationery), lack of capitalization (e.g. states instead of States), and misuse of apostrophes (e.g. Kirkland's instead of Kirklands). However, these mistakes are more than compensated for by the author's wonderful turns of phrase. She has a beautiful way with words, and I highlighted more passages than I can recount here. I loved everything about this book; I loved Ana's voice, her sarcastic humor, her confused feelings over Shane. I could relate to the love/hate emotions he elicited in her. I found the story so compelling, I didn't want to put the book down.
I love it when my "job" brings me in touch with books like this which I might not otherwise have picked up to read. Do yourself a favor and read this one. It's a true gem of a book.
I received this book in return for an honest review.
There are a few minor editing errors (e.g. course instead of coarse, stationary instead of stationery), lack of capitalization (e.g. states instead of States), and misuse of apostrophes (e.g. Kirkland's instead of Kirklands). However, these mistakes are more than compensated for by the author's wonderful turns of phrase. She has a beautiful way with words, and I highlighted more passages than I can recount here. I loved everything about this book; I loved Ana's voice, her sarcastic humor, her confused feelings over Shane. I could relate to the love/hate emotions he elicited in her. I found the story so compelling, I didn't want to put the book down.
I love it when my "job" brings me in touch with books like this which I might not otherwise have picked up to read. Do yourself a favor and read this one. It's a true gem of a book.
I received this book in return for an honest review.
April 5, 2014
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
The Making of Nebraska Brown is a new adult mystery that drew me in and kept me guessing until the end. I had numerous ideas for Ann/Ana's memory loss, but the actuality threw me for a loop. This story is an emotional ride, full of heartbreak and some tears. It must be so hard to lose basic memories and be stuck in a foreign country with a man you don't remember.
Ann is one confused girl. There are huge holes in her memory, in fact she's lost almost two years. Now she's in Italy with no recollection of how she got there, with an attractive man, Tommy, at her side saying he's her boyfriend. Weird. As Ann gains more and more of her memories, she's torn, trying to decide what's real. I did not like Tommy. He came across as disingenuous and rather insincere. Ann's friend, Renata, is a breath of fresh air compared to Tommy and his secrets.
This novel is difficult to put down. Ms. Caiola does a great job drawing the reader into the mystery. Hints are dropped throughout, but not enough to give away the ending, which as I stated earlier is surprising. I'm still not sure how I feel about it. I will say it made me think, made my heart ache, and made me cry. The characters are so well-written, from Ann and Tommy to Ann's friends and family.
The Making of Nebraska Brown is one of those books that has it all: great characters, exotic locale, and an engrossing mystery. I highly recommend adding this to your TBR list, especially if you like a good mystery.
The Making of Nebraska Brown is a new adult mystery that drew me in and kept me guessing until the end. I had numerous ideas for Ann/Ana's memory loss, but the actuality threw me for a loop. This story is an emotional ride, full of heartbreak and some tears. It must be so hard to lose basic memories and be stuck in a foreign country with a man you don't remember.
Ann is one confused girl. There are huge holes in her memory, in fact she's lost almost two years. Now she's in Italy with no recollection of how she got there, with an attractive man, Tommy, at her side saying he's her boyfriend. Weird. As Ann gains more and more of her memories, she's torn, trying to decide what's real. I did not like Tommy. He came across as disingenuous and rather insincere. Ann's friend, Renata, is a breath of fresh air compared to Tommy and his secrets.
This novel is difficult to put down. Ms. Caiola does a great job drawing the reader into the mystery. Hints are dropped throughout, but not enough to give away the ending, which as I stated earlier is surprising. I'm still not sure how I feel about it. I will say it made me think, made my heart ache, and made me cry. The characters are so well-written, from Ann and Tommy to Ann's friends and family.
The Making of Nebraska Brown is one of those books that has it all: great characters, exotic locale, and an engrossing mystery. I highly recommend adding this to your TBR list, especially if you like a good mystery.
April 9, 2014
This isn't my usual genre. As all of you who come to my blog know, I’m more a paranormal type of girl. However I found the story to be highly engrossing. We have a whole mystery to discover who Ann Leigh or Ana Lisa really is.
Ann Leigh has quite a few flaws. She’s spoiled, impulsive, and a bit brash, but I still liked her. She wasn’t going to let herself be sidetracked by the honeyed words of her boyfriend Tommy, especially when she suspected something was wrong. Tommy himself had me on ups and downs. I was torn between thinking her really loved her and that he was playing her in some way.
This book kept me reading into a couple late nights just so I can find out what truly happened. This one had me guessing until the end. If you like a cozy mystery and a story about self-realization, then you should really pick up this book.
Ann Leigh has quite a few flaws. She’s spoiled, impulsive, and a bit brash, but I still liked her. She wasn’t going to let herself be sidetracked by the honeyed words of her boyfriend Tommy, especially when she suspected something was wrong. Tommy himself had me on ups and downs. I was torn between thinking her really loved her and that he was playing her in some way.
This book kept me reading into a couple late nights just so I can find out what truly happened. This one had me guessing until the end. If you like a cozy mystery and a story about self-realization, then you should really pick up this book.
May 3, 2014
The Making of Nebraska Brown starts off a little confusing. Ann Leigh doesn't remember her past, doesn't remember who she is or even why she can't remember! What I loved about that though is that when you read a book you get to know the characters and with Ann Leigh it felt like we were both getting to know her and about her life at the same time. That made me feel more connected to Ann Leigh's character and when she was frustrated, upset or anything it was very easy for me to feel the exact same things she was feeling. Ann Leigh was pretty selfish and so far from perfect but I loved her because she was so real and honest. Her story is pretty sad and I was not to happy with the ending but it was still a great book.
June 18, 2014
When you can't trust your own mind, what can you trust. Anna wakes up from a 'dream' and finds herself in a foreign country. How did she get here and why does she understand the language? Slowly she begins to remember how she fits into this Italian world, but with those memories come other memories of another life.
This book had me intrigued from the very beginning. More than once, I thought I had 'cracked' the mystery. I was wrong. Very wrong. The twists and turns that Caiola creates in getting to the end were very entertaining.
However, the ending was very unsatisfying and unbelievable. I would still classify it as a worthy read despite that.
This book had me intrigued from the very beginning. More than once, I thought I had 'cracked' the mystery. I was wrong. Very wrong. The twists and turns that Caiola creates in getting to the end were very entertaining.
However, the ending was very unsatisfying and unbelievable. I would still classify it as a worthy read despite that.
March 20, 2014
You have to hand it to Ms Caiola, she knows how to write a good mystery. This book kept me flicking, and I read it in about 5 hours this morning. You have to feel sorry for Tommy, he really loved Ana Lisa. I think he was just a victim of circumstance.
And I can't help but loathe Anna Leigh. She really messed up a few peoples' lives, and selfishly kept pushing, even when it became obvious what had happened.
All in all, Ms Caiola has weaved an insane story that makes so much sense in hindsight. I would love to read the next in the series, of there is one.
And I can't help but loathe Anna Leigh. She really messed up a few peoples' lives, and selfishly kept pushing, even when it became obvious what had happened.
All in all, Ms Caiola has weaved an insane story that makes so much sense in hindsight. I would love to read the next in the series, of there is one.
September 2, 2016
Thoroughly engaging read that had me puzzled as to how a young woman from Nebraska found herself in a small town in Italy with more questions than answers. The fact that she didn't know either was doubly mysterious. I really liked how real the character of Tess was, right down to her bad decisions about her choice of mate where she seemed to settle on convenience rather than heart, which is all too human.I was right with her as she tried to piece together her missing past which read just like a really good detective story.
September 17, 2014
This is a New Adult Mystery--the theme of unwed pregnancy keeps it off the younger YA lists. Even so, this is a book that anyone could read and enjoy. The main character, Ann/Ana, is confused about who she is and battles amnesia and tidbits of flashback throughout the book. That may sound trite and lame, but her world is rich and her situation complex enough to be compelling. When I neared the last third of the book, I couldn't put it down...reading faster and faster until I finished. Wonderful story.
April 24, 2014
This book kept my interest all the way through, however, the ending left a sour taste in my mouth because it made all that happened beforehand ridiculous. The rationalization for what some of the characters did was never resolved and they were bizarre enough that, without an explanation, just felt like the author wanted a certain story but didn't really know how execute it.
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